Military training at The University of Iowa has a history almost as long as the University itself, encompassing all branches of the armed services at various times. One of the most enduring of these programs—the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC)—was established in 1916 when Congress passed the National Defense Act. But its beginnings at Iowa can be traced back more than 50 years earlier.

In 1861, following the outbreak of the Civil War and only six years after The University of Iowa held its first classes, the State Board of Education authorized the University’s Board of Trustees to establish a Department of Military Instruction. Courses were begun two years later. By 1875, military drill was made compulsory for all physically fit male University students, a requirement that continued in some form until 1963. Local chapters of such national organizations as the Pershing Rifles and Scabbard and Blade have reflected the interests of participants.

Today the University of Iowa boasts two ROTC programs: Air Force Detachment 255 and the Army ROTC “Mighty Hawkeye Battalion.” Both provide extensive training in leadership and skills development.

—David McCartney, University Archivist

Advanced ROTC class on steps of Old Capitol, 1943

(Source—University Archives, Department of Special Collections, F.W. Kent Photographs Collection, (RG 30.01.01), Events and Activities series, General and Miscellaneous folder, item no. 635)

Military Department personnel; Armory in background, ca. 1917

(Source—University Archives, Department of Special Collections, F.W. Kent Photographs Collection, (RG 30.01.01), Events and Activities series, Military folder, item title “Proud of His Job”)

In 1918, the S.A.T.C. (Student Army Training Corps) was organized in response to the U.S. entry into World War I. The University of Iowa’s unit consisted of over 1,700 enlistees. The brochure above is part of the Records Pertaining to Military and Wartime Service (collection no. RG 28.01), University Archives.